Buckner International Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Buckner Kenya

Dickson Masindano and Dr. Albert Reyes

In February 2026, the Buckner Board travelled to Kenya to participate in the celebration of the 25^th anniversary of Buckner Kenya, an NGO based in Nairobi, Kenya. The event was planned by Dickson Masindano, Executive Director of Buckner Kenya, who 25 years ago, began this NGO right after graduating from Hardin Simmons University, an affiliated ministry of Texas Baptists. Dickson would later be honored by Hardin Simmons University as a Distinguished Alumnus.

Dickson Masindano

While the Buckner Board celebrated this incredible milestone, other affiliated organizations took part in launching this ministry that serves vulnerable children and families in Nairobi, Bungoma, Cherangani, Kitale, and Busia through Family Hope Centers augmented by schools and clinics. At a time when the International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention was shifting its priorities toward church planting and away from ministries like the Baptist Children’s Centre (BCC) in Nairobi, IMB missionaries serving there made contact with Buckner International to inquire as to the possibility of continuing operations of the BCC, affiliated with the Baptist Convention of Kenya, and affiliated with the Baptist World Alliance (BWA). In 2025, Buckner International became a member of the (BWA) at the annual meeting in Nigeria. At the very beginning of this new ministry, my own church, Park Cities Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, was instrumental in providing needed financial support to resume operations of the BCC ministry. During the celebration, I sent a text to my pastor, Dr. Jeff Warren, to express thanksgiving for the role our church played in getting started in Nairobi.

 The celebration recognized the president of the Baptist Convention of Kenya, Board members of Buckner Kenya, and several government and child welfare agency officials, as well as BCC alumni who have become professionals living independently and economically sustained by their professions.

James and Nancy Westbrooks

I am grateful for the outstanding leadership of Dickson Masindano and to the trust given to us by pastors and leaders of the Baptist Convention of Kenya, and the support of government officials on this special day.

Dr. Albert L. Reyes and Rev. Bernard Obuya

It was an experience I will not be able to forget. A day to remember God’s goodness, his blessing, his favor, and a celebration of the lives of children, now adult professionals who came through the BCC and Family Hope Centers across Kenya.

Rev. Mark Owino and Dr. Albert L. Reyes

Happy 25th Anniversary, Buckner Kenya.